Women’s Chemise
With sleeve lengths ranging from short to long, the garment can reflect contemporary fashion preferences and be adapted to different periods and social contexts.
Constructed from a breathable, washable linen or cotton blend, the chemise offers comfortable wear beneath outer garments while standing up to frequent laundering in the field or workshop. Its clean, unadorned silhouette emphasizes function over decoration, mirroring historical undergarment design and facilitating accurate layering.
Practical details such as reinforced stress points at the shoulders and a loose cut for ease of movement further enhance durability and period authenticity. Overall, the chemise balances historical fidelity with everyday usability, making it an ideal base layer for reenactors and costumers seeking a convincing, hard-wearing foundation garment.
Materials
Adaptations for a woman’s chemise across high and low society
When constructing or selecting a chemise for historical reenactment, fabric choice and finishing details signal social rank as much as silhouette. Below are practical guidance and period-appropriate options using cotton and linen.
Fabrics
Cotton — soft, breathable, and historically appropriate for high-society undergarments.
Linen — a traditional fiber for period shirts: crisp, durable, and highly breathable. More commonly used for working-class women’s chemises.
Specify the wanted material when ordering.
Uses
Living history impressions and encampments
Civilian impressions for late 18th / early 19th century events
Theatre, film and photo work that requires historically grounded shirts
Everyday wear for reenactors seeking authentic cut and drape
NOTE: These chemises are cut intentionally loose, in keeping with period practice. The final garment will be larger than the body measurements provided to allow for the characteristic roomy drape and wearing ease seen in original examples.
Please copy the product code to use it on the quote request page.
Product Code: SH-02